Breakthrough Antibody Cocktail Shows Promise to Protect Against All Strains of Flu

Breaking News: Antibody Cocktail Shows Promise as Universal Flu Treatment Researchers at the Jackson Laboratory in Farmington, Connecticut, have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way we fight seasonal flu and pandemics. A cocktail of antibodies has been shown to protect mice from various strains of influenza, raising hopes for a universal treatment. Key Findings: The antibody cocktail was developed by Silke Paust and her team at the Jackson Laboratory. Mice were protected from multiple strains of influenza after receiving the antibody cocktail. This approach targets non-neutralizing antibodies, a type of protein produced by the immune system that has been largely ignored in fighting infectious diseases. Timeline: Research began several years ago to develop an alternative to traditional flu treatments and vaccines. The study was published recently, highlighting the potential of this new approach. Further testing is needed before human trials can begin. Immediate Impact: The discovery has sparked excitement among health professionals and researchers. While more research is needed, this breakthrough could lead to a game-changing treatment for seasonal flu and pandemics. Background Context: Traditional flu treatments and vaccines rely on prompting the body to produce neutralizing antibodies, which can take months to develop and may lose effectiveness if the virus mutates. This new approach targets non-neutralizing antibodies, which have shown promise in protecting against multiple strains of influenza. What Happens Next: The next step is for researchers to conduct further testing and refine the antibody cocktail before human trials can begin. If successful, this treatment could provide a much-needed solution for seasonal flu and pandemics worldwide. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Newscientist reporting.*